Hands-on with Nikon V2

Nikon announced two major products at this year's Photo Plus Expo tradeshow in New York - a new constant-aperture F4 70-200mm zoom for its range of DX and FX-format DSLRs, and the V2, which replaces the V1 as the flagship in Nikon's 1 System. The CX-format V2 features an all-new 14MP CMOS sensor and a built-in flash, a proper exposure mode dial (oh, happy day...) but retains the same innovative Hybrid AF system and 1.4 million-dot EVF as its predecessor.

We caught up with Nikon on the first morning of the show, and managed to get some time alone with its new high-end 1 series camera and 18.5mm F1.8 prime - the fastest lens in the system (making it equivalent to a 50mm lens in terms of field-of-view and F4.9 in terms of depth-of-field).

Our first impressions, seeing the camera 'in the flesh' for the first time, are that it isn't as ugly as it looks in photographs. Yes, it looks like a Sony NEX with mumps. But the lumps and bumps that characterize its external design are much less objectionable when you actually pick the camera up and start using it. We know this might be controversial, but we might actually prefer how the V2 looks compared to the V1...

This view shows the V2 without a lens mounted, and its 1" (13.2 x 8.8mm) CX sensor exposed for all the world to see. Much more businesslike in appearance than the J2 and even its predecessor the V1, the V2's lumps and bumps are functional, if not terribly attractive.

The protruding grip allows for an unusually firm hold (by MILC standards) and the faux-prism hump above the lens houses an EVF and a pop-up flash.

Another thing that isn't all that apparent from press photographs is how small the V2 is. We didn't have competitive mirrorless cameras nearby to compare it to directly, but it's about the same size as the Olympus PEN Mini, if you ignore the viewfinder hump. The view of the exposed 1-inch CX sensor, above, should give you some idea. In terms of how it feels in the hand, the V2 reminded us of a slightly miniaturized Sony NEX-7, more than anything else. The same super-thin body, similarly nice metal construction, and a deep, rubberized handgrip.

Other than the pronounced hump, the 14MP V2 is one of the smaller mirrorless ILCs. Our model has pretty dainty hands (and charming nail varnish) and as you can see from this view, the V2 isn't much of a handful, even for her.

Viewed from the back, the V2 is very different to its predecessor, The control layout has been overhauled, and enthusiasts will appreciate the exposure mode dial on the top-plate, and the control dial at upper-right.

The rear of the V2 is quite different from the V1, and actually, rather NEX-like as well. It's dominated by a large LCD screen and integrated control dial/four-way controller, but unlike many of its competitors, the V2's rear LCD screen is fixed rather than articulated. New to the V2 is the vertical strip of buttons on the left of the screen, replacing the dense cluster of control points which surround the 4-way controller on the V1.

The V1's rear-plate mode dial has been deleted completely, to be replaced by a 'proper' exposure mode dial, complete with PASM positions, which can be found on the top of the camera - exactly where an enthusiast would expect to find it. Even better than this, the V1's sharp little control toggle has also been removed, and replaced by a more traditional control dial.

The V2 is Nikon's most DSLR-like 1 System camera yet, and features about the most generously-proportioned hand grip that we can remember seeing outside of the realm of DSLRs.

The control layout of the V2 has been completely overhauled compared to its predecessor the V1. There's an exposure mode dial on the top, and to the right, a control dial which replaces the fiddly up/down toggle on the V1.

The V2 still has a proprietary 'multi accessory port' connector, limiting flash choice to the SB-N5 or new, more powerful, bounce-able SB-N7.

With the camera held to the eye, there's no novelty. The view is the same as you'll get through the EVF on the older V1, because it's the same viewfinder. That's no bad thing though. Although not class-leading, the 1.4 million dot display (800 x 600 RGB pixels) built into the V2 is bright, contrasty and detailed. There's a diopter wheel on the left, for those of us with less than perfect eyesight.

The model that we handled is unfinished - Nikon reps were keen to stress that it might not perform quite as well as the final shipping cameras, but we're happy to report that with the fast 18.5mm prime attached, autofocus seems extremely fast and positive, even in the poor light of a tradeshow meeting room. The bigger the aperture, the more effective the V2's Hybrid AF system (which uses fast on-sensor phase-detection in good light, falling back on contrast-detection when illumination gets low) should be, and that certainly seems to hold true for this new prime. We should have a production sample of both camera and lens soon, and look forward to doing some real-world shooting.

I can hardly swallow those hard edges . But it can look really cool if mounted on the silver car from the "back to the future" movie ... I do not know ..it is has 1980's disco style design ... not really classic nor modern, rather maybe mediocre ...

Look at the pictures above with the lens attached. It is the lens that dominates, not the grip. Just like on all other mirrorless, they are not really "pocketable" when you put a lens on them.I find the grip very good (at least from the looks of it).

Meh, I'll keep my NEX-5N with 2.3 million dot EVF attachment. At least I can take the EVF off when I need to go any smaller. The pocket is the great equalizer here. Once you can no longer stuff a camera in your pocket it doesn't matter how big it is. The NEX-5N with no viewfinder and the 16mm lens can slip into my pocket. The V2 is not going into anyone's pocket.

Why does Nikon not make a camera body smaller than M4/3 that is jeans pocketable and then some killer tiny primes then everyone would be singing their praises. Imagine a pocketable body you can slap on a slew of Nikon lenses or tiny primes in 16 Fish Eye, 24, 35, 50mm equivalent. I would buy one if they made a decent one like that. Accessory battery grip too while you are at it. Come on Nokon! Dazzle us!

Why do you personally care Viva? After all you are a self confessed silly little Canon troll and a VERY boring one at that. You don't even troll in an amusing way, you can't spell and that speaks volumes about your trailer park education. The word you were looking for is "aesthetics" :)

I think you may be deceived by the size. When you see it in real life I think it may make more sense and not appear ugly but utilitarian. A bit like an old F4 - but way smaller, This is about the size of an LX7

What? Do you want me to believe that a skin leopard camera will make me a better photographer?Are you nuts??!!Err...Where can I send my order?Are they going to be numbered? Special Edition?Name engraving?

Hassy seems to think that gold and other rare materials with its brand stretching or shall I say over reaching will a better camera make. Like Leica and Panny but more pimp. "My Humps" song is now stuck in my head. Make the V1 with a vertical grip accessory where the flash is built into the accessory grip and you can have a decent cam and keep the small form or go big with a flash. It's not hard Nikon. Think outside the lumpy box!

Canon EOS M is a disappointment, Nikon 1 series also a disappointment. Why they can't do the right thing with mirror-less camera for foreign market? Of course, EOS M and Nikon 1 are targeted for some of young people in domestic (Japan) market, it's obvious. While Fuji with its X series is targeting domestic market and abroad.

BTW, IMHO, the industrial design of this V2 actually not bad at all, if only it has the right sensor size (of course not Nikon 1 system, APS sized sensor is more preferable) then with the right price (700-900 USD?) should this V2 to be appealing to a much more audiences.

This is simply put a horrible looking mutant design. It's not even funny. The viewfinder housing looks like a screwed-on multipurpose accessory that could fall off anytime. Huge step back from V1, not even mentioning Nex 6/7.99.9% of DPreview forum members could do better...

I am very interested in the V2 from its function and size point of view.The design is reasonable. If you do not like this design, you have many other choices.

I am a user of EOS-5D and am looking for compact and lens interchangeable one for trip. Among the any mirrorless cameras, I expect the most speedy AF and a full size shot can be retrived from video to V2.

My only concern is the V series have manuan focus control from dial and poor line-up of lens. I hope Nikon will develop new prime lens with manual focus in lens.

I suppose it comes down to not wanting us to cross shop segment models but why couldn't they use the P7700 attractive form factor, marvelous control layout, articulated LCD, hotshoe for full size flashes with commander capability, put in the larger CX sensor, interchangeable lenses and add an optical viewfinder on the side (like a Fuji X10)? That would make for a more compelling enthusiast model and truer system capability.

I seriously cannot understand why they can't just have a standard Nikon ( ISO ) hotshoe with those contacts so we can use something like the GPS or just the SB flash .. its a failure in systematic and brand wise deployment as far as product design goes

I'm familiar with the back layout of the V1 and can navigate it in my sleep, this happens when you use the camera a lot. Function buttons on the left are nice on a dslr, V models, not. Barney likens the looks to the Pen/Nex-7. How about the OM-D, the high top hat look. Body design change, yes, not enough to trigger a sell off of V1. Placement of mode dial and exp. mode dial, yep. That's it fellow V1 owners. Not earth shattering and the selling price is about the same as the V1 when it came out. I might sell my V1 but it won't be until a V3. The lenses matter. In a year if I liked the V3 and could only sell the V1 for two hundred bucks, so be it. As long as I got use out of the camera, that's what matters.

Well dpreview are any of the real annoying issues with the v1 fixed?can you cancel the post capture preview? can you set shutter speed for auto iso?can you modify the program line or you still stuck with blurry subjects?are you still scrolling endlessly down the shooting menu ?

I like the v2 more so than the V1. The video specs are better. if the IQ holds and is better at high iso, I will get a V2 with some primes in 2013 The V2 look reminds me of a small canon F1 with the TTL finder or a Nikon F2.

I have Nikon gear, and nice to see quick response on previews, but where's the reviews of other cameras? Cannon EOS-1D C? Canon EOS-1D X? etc...

In the past I though that DPreview always had a bias towards cannon, and Nikon was the underdog. But fairs fair... at least we could actually compare cameras against cameras. Many of us are now looking to other websites for comparisons.

The looks wouldn't distract me if it was the camera I want but the price! Nikon will again antagonize early buyers who see the price drop more than any other camera I can remember. And it will drop just like the J/V1 did.Nikon reasons like Microsoft/Nokia in the phone market- come late, bring controversial products and ask high prices.

Are mirrorless cameras supposed to look a certain way? Like a Sony NEX? Like a Fuji X-series? Like a Canon M-series? If they did then we would still see complaints about a lack of originality. Unlike DSLRS and compacts, this category has always had the strangest mix of designs.

I actually like the functional look. Back in my film days I depended upon standard prism Fs and F2s and thought them to be ruggedly handsome, unlike the clunky Photomic finders. I will be interested to see how well the sensor performs but even so, this probably isn't the camera for me. For a carry-around, I don't want another bag of lenses and the additional investment another system entails --I already have Canon 7 and 5Ds and L lenses for premeditated work. I'll settle for less resolution and the Panasonic FZ200's versatile lens for grabs.

Though I don't find the V2 "attractive" or "good looking" I do find it industrial looking and reminiscent of the last generation or so of pro film cameras (like the F5).That's OK with me as I don't really judge a camera on it's looks unless it's really out there (like it's pink or has a faux-wood grip).

This camera looks like it would be a great tool to have in my photographic tool box. Actually it looks similar to the Olympus OM-D E-M5.

Really it's the camera functionality and lens selection that we all should be focused on.

Nice Camera!Now, where is my sports lens, Nikon? You promised one at the time of 1 system launch.

Why is Nikon limiting to 110mm? If we get something 220mm (35 mm equiv of 600mm) VR then this combination (with v2) will be good for sports. FT1 adaptor has quite a few restrictions so not suitable for moving subjects.

I wouldn't get the hopes too high. Current Nikon 1 sensor lose out to RX100 in many parameters i don't think Nikon has had a chance to develop anything radical. Probably slightly improved and could even match RX100 but i doubt it will be noticeably better. RX100 is just hard to beat -Sony milked that sensor and came up with a well rounded camera.

I would not call this camera ugly, but rather curious looking.If Nikon succeeded in good ergonomics, many users will quickly forget the looks and enjoy using the cam. After all, this is the tool meant to take photographs without being in the way or distract from the intended use. If it fits comfortably in hand, I think it will be prized for that. Just like well designed hammer or shovel.

Soon all the technology advances this has will be in larger sensors so what are you left with? Something the same size as an APS c mirrorless but only a fraction of the sensor size. FAIL! It wont even have good resale value due to poor build quality and bad looks. What you are left with is a bridge camera to nowhere. This should be a tad larger than the Q by Pentax. This V2 is a rocket going nowhere fast but the consumer electronics recycle center. Abort Abort!!!

I am wondering if it is fitted with the adaptor and a 300 AF-S F4 lens how it will be as a birding camera? 2.7 crop factor makes it look interesting if the image quality is there. Would be a whole lot lighter for a 70 yr old to lug around and still do bird photography.